SPEED UP AID FOR GLENDA VICTIMS

HOUSE Independent Minority bloc leader Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has appealed to the government agencies concerned to expedite the distribution of relief goods and other assistance needed by the people affected by Typhoon Glenda.

Romualdez made the call as he led officials and residents in offering masses yesterday in all churches throughout Tacloban City and Leyte province for the victims of Typhoon Glenda.

Masses for the victims were also offered in some churches in Metro Manila.

Romualdez, the president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), called on local and national government officials and agencies concerned, like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to fast-track the release of relief goods and funds needed to assist ‘Glenda’ victims.

“Not only to ease their sufferings but also to help eliminate sickness or deaths among the victims due to lack of funds to purchase medicines and other emergency needs,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez also called on victims of ‘Glenda’ to help ensure that they get the relief that is due them.

The House leader is making the call so that slow relief distribution and rehabilitation will not happen again, just like what was experienced by the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, which battered Eastern Visayas last year.

“Up to now, there is still no clear accounting or breakdown of the billions of pesos in cash and relief goods intended for victims of super typhoon ‘Yolanda,” Romualdez said.

“Don’t let it happen again to you, this time,” he added.

Meanwhile, he urged people to keep on praying for the safety of all Filipinos.

The masses they offered is the best help the province can extend for ‘Glenda’ victims, having suffered the same fate some eight months ago from Yolanda.

“It is also another way for us to express our deep appreciation to Glenda’ victims for all the help they had extended to us after ‘Yolanda” battered our province, killed more than 6,000 of our friends and loved ones and destroyed scores of our homes,” Romualdez said.

“With the help of God, we are slowly but steadily recovering and moving on with our lives following Yolanda. With our prayers, the Almighty will never forsake the victims of Glenda, he added.

He then appealed to the people to share all they can to Glenda’ victims as soon as possible